Local

Church sentenced 30 years for sexual battery

NEWS STAFF
Friday, April 10, 2026
A convicted felon is headed back to state prison after a Columbia County jury found him guilty of sexual battery Friday. The jury, consisting of five males and one female, deliberated for 1 1/2 hours Friday after hearing two days of testimony in the case against Marqui Montez Church.
Recoil Trampoline Park owner Trent Coggins, shown speaking before the Columbia County Commission last week, presented to the Lake City Council on Monday. Coggins said the project is moving ahead of schedule and hopefully will be open for next summer. (FILE)

Recoil Trampoline Park owner Trent Coggins, shown speaking before the Columbia County Commission last week, presented to the Lake City Council on Monday. Coggins said the project is moving ahead of schedule and hopefully will be open for next summer. (FILE)

City considers incentive for Recoil as well

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
An incoming family entertainment venue is hoping it can double-bounce off Columbia County’s tax incentive. Recoil Trampoline Park owner Trent Coggins gave a presentation to the Lake City Council at its Monday meeting outlining the origins and operations of his Valdosta-based venue.
Lake City Police Detective Richard Poteat was named the city’s Employee of the Year. (COURTESY)

Lake City Police Detective Richard Poteat was named the city’s Employee of the Year. (COURTESY)

City honors employees at luncheon

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
The City of Lake City held its annual employee recognition luncheon last Thursday, recognizing a variety of city employees for their work effort and dedication during the ceremony at the Darby Pavilion.
Carly Dolly, a Special Olympics athlete leader in Columbia County, served as this year’s torch bearer during Tuesday’s Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run and was given the torch as it was lit by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Clint Dicks. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Carly Dolly, a Special Olympics athlete leader in Columbia County, served as this year’s torch bearer during Tuesday’s Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run and was given the torch as it was lit by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Clint Dicks. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Special Olympics athletes celebrated during damp affair

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Cooler temperatures and a few sprinkles of rain did little to dampen the unconquerable attitudes and spirits of local Special Olympic athletes Tuesday.
Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler said he and his department are already thinking ahead to next year’s Easter celebration to further enhance security following the deployment of pepper balls against crowds on Sunday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler said he and his department are already thinking ahead to next year’s Easter celebration to further enhance security following the deployment of pepper balls against crowds on Sunday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

‘Unwieldy’ crowd causes Easter frustrations

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
While residents voiced frustrations and concerns with local law enforcement following the response to Easter Sunday festivities, Lake City’s police chief said the main celebration went well.
Columbia High’s welding program won two state titles, two runner-up finishes and two third-place finishes in the SkillsUSA state competition in Jacksonville last week. (COURTESY)

Columbia High’s welding program won two state titles, two runner-up finishes and two third-place finishes in the SkillsUSA state competition in Jacksonville last week. (COURTESY)

CHS welders win first state titles

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Columbia High’s welding program made the most of its second trip to the SkillsUSA state competition. After making its debut state appearance a year ago, the Tigers dominated on its return trip last week to the five-day competition in Jacksonville.
Firefighters utilize water to help extinguish heat within the root system of trees and the duff layer on the Sargent fire in order to reduce risk of rekindle and help fully contain the fire. The wildfire, which began in Baker County on Thursday and has spread to northeastern Columbia County is 50% contained. (COURTESY FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE)

Firefighters utilize water to help extinguish heat within the root system of trees and the duff layer on the Sargent fire in order to reduce risk of rekindle and help fully contain the fire. The wildfire, which began in Baker County on Thursday and has spread to northeastern Columbia County is 50% contained. (COURTESY FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE)

Sargent wildfire 50 percent contained near Ga. border

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
The Sargent wildfire is 50% contained in northeastern Columbia County as well as Baker County and Clinch County (Ga.) as of Tuesday morning. According to the Florida Forest Service, the fire which began Thursday in Baker County has covered 2,479 acres but has been 50% contained since Saturday.

Sanderson man arrested for waving firearm in crowd

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
A Sanderson man is in custody after Lake City Police say he brandished a weapon among a crowd of people following an Easter celebration. According to an LCPD release, Rasheem Saquan Gaskins, 30, was spotted by officers around 10:31 p.m.